- present participle of entertain.
entertaining
Americanadjective
adjective
Other Word Forms
Etymology
Origin of entertaining
Explanation
Things that are entertaining are enjoyable and distracting. Going to the circus is an entertaining way to spend an afternoon. Activities like playing games and watching movies can be entertaining, and you can also describe a friend who's particularly funny or fun to be with as entertaining. The adjective comes from the related verb, entertain, which meant "keep up, maintain, or keep someone in a certain frame of mind" in the fifteenth century. It comes from the Old French entretenir, "hold together."
Vocabulary lists containing entertaining
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
Mr. Malkovich’s wickedly entertaining, cynical yet soulful performance is the heart of a surprisingly emotional tour de force from Mr. McDonagh.
From The Wall Street Journal ● Sep. 10, 2026
With the show’s beleaguered Season 5 set to premiere on Thursday, a crucial question has emerged: Can it still feel like an entertaining watch after the events of this year?
From Los Angeles Times ● Sep. 9, 2026
Roma being back in the Champions League is great and they're a very entertaining team to watch again.
From BBC ● Sep. 7, 2026
Out back, the leafy grounds are anchored by a private swimming pool and spa, creating a secluded spot for relaxing and entertaining.
From MarketWatch ● Sep. 2, 2026
After I’m dressed, Amara says, “The only way to deal with fear is to treat it like an unwelcome guest. If you keep entertaining it, you’ll never be rid of it.”
From "Lucky Broken Girl" by Ruth Behar
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
